This video explains the difference between syncope and presyncope, as well as how it feels to experience them. If you live with either, please feel free to comment below your symptoms during an episode.
I have presyncope and my first signs are being shaky and feeling like my heart is racing though my heart rate actually slows down. Then my legs become too weak to hold me up. At that point I either get on the ground or collapse.
I was diagnosed with POTS about 6 months ago. A few days ago I experienced what I thought was presyncope because I remained conscious, but it sounds like maybe it was actually syncope. I suddenly started to feel very dizzy and tried to lower myself to the floor. But within seconds, before I could get on the floor, I lost my vision and saw the black and white as you described, and I completely lost control and collapsed onto the floor. I stayed on the floor for at least 30 minutes after that and felt dizzy and very weak for a couple of hours after. I also experienced presyncope during my 10 minute stand test when I was being diagnosed with POTS, I suddenly felt very dizzy and the nurses had to help me to lie down, and I became very sweaty. I’ve also experienced presyncope other times, but those are definitely the scariest two. Before getting POTS I’d fainted a few times as a teenager (now in my 30’s) and it was a completely different experience to what I’m experiencing with POTS which made me wonder if others with POTS experience the same thing. Thank you for helping me understand it more, it’s nice to know that I’m not alone in this.
It is very scary. The biggest difference is whether you completely black out/faint/pass out. If you do, it's syncope, if you don't it's pre-syncope. As the video states, pre-syncope can last a very long time. So what you described is fairly typical. It is one of the worst symptoms. We are glad that this helps you know that you are not alone in this.
When I get presyncope, I feel like the blood leaves my face (total white lips), and I have to lean over, and run to a soft chair quickly. My heart pounds, my blood pressure drops way down. No nausea.( I only get that with food poisoning or vertigo). I feel so helpless and scared when it happens. I almost pass out. Yesterday I had 4 episodes within 1/2 hour. I had heavy urination, and the urine was colorless. My heart rate was 120 bpm. Pressure 105. I almost wanted to go to the ER, but I knew by the time I got there, I'd be fine and dandy. I drank a power drink, went to bed. I had to walk bent over to keep from passing out on my way upstairs. Standing upright was a no no. I have a stethoscope, and eventually the rapid heartbeat slowed while I was in bed. I was fine in a few hours, like nothing happened.I am going to have my heart checked. I have a strange heartbeat. Thumping, skipping. These attacks do not give warning. best way to deal with it. Lie down, and prop feet up. Trust nature to take it from there.
This is the first time I have ever heard of these conditions and my discovery was the result of a search to discover why I suffer daily episodes of what I suspect, now, is presyncope! Now I can address what could be causing these annoying episodes and direct my doctors toward an effective treatment. Thank You!
Oh, I did not even know that pre-syncopy exist, but I recognized the symptoms of it; so that is what's happening to me!!! Also, I was feeling all the pre-syncopy symptoms and when I went and laid down on the couch in the middle of the day, I "passed out". Then woke up hours later extremely weak, confused (I did not know who I was or where.), not able to move and FREEZING (hot sunny day and I was under heavy blankets). It took an hour to be able to move my limbs. My pulse was weak and when I finally could measure my temperature it was in process of rising. I measured 35.5 Celsius the lowest and it rised up steadily to 36.5 celsius. This happened few times for me last summer. Pre-syncopy symptoms happens still very often. Once, when I had my "episode" I woke up for my cat pawing on my chest and screaming to my face to wake up. He stopped when I woke and went away. I think that he realised that I was dropping a bit too low with consciousness levels and did not want to lose me. We are very deeply bonded so it does not surprise me at all. So, this sounds a bit dangerous now. I will talk to my doctor about it. Hope that they believe me 😑
I had syncope every time I stood up … for a year. I knew it was coming … and learned to get on the floor immediately and push my life alert button . Daily pre syncope was just the deal for 4 years . Meditative therapy helps so you can learn to not be afraid and not react to your own symptoms . If it’s as bad as I had it , which was every single time I stood up , get a wheelchair . Look into a hyperbaric chamber and a Normatech . The additional oxygen and pressure help. You have to learn to not be afraid to pass out . Prepare for it . Life alert , immediately get to the ground , feet up . Focus on your breath . Have your emergency info on your Home Screen of your phone . Have your medical info in your bag with you . Try not to be alone , schedule having someone shadow you , get a syncope dog . Help yourself until you can have better intervention for yourself .
@@barbaragrove6097 syncope & presyncope related to dysautonomia doesnt occur while driving because it is largely postural in most types of dysautonomia. However if you are experiencing presuncope or syncope while driving it should be treated the same as a seizure disorder, meaning you give up driving until you are symptom free for a year or more. But again, those symptoms while driving are atypical for dysautonomia patients So i encourage you to discuss it with your doctor bedore putting yourself or others at risk.
@@barbaragrove6097 The syncope and presyncope associated with dysautonomia is triggered by a change in posture - going from sitting to standing, lying down to sitting up, etc. So it isn't an issue while driving.
This video helped my friends and family have a more understanding on what's going on for me. I have NCS/VS and POTS I I faint and near faint all the time Presyncope happens to me almost daily. The episode that made my mom take me into the hospital for testing was my brother and I were play fighting i hit the bar of the porch. Pain surged as I tried to walk my limbs went limp and heavy and I fell. I screamed for my mom and brother they came rushing but my vision started to fail and they were blobs and I couldn't hear them so I was just screaming at my mom. She said I looked dead with blue lips but I was screaming at her. Fainted in high school EMS guys told my parents I was faking it bc my blood sugar was fine. But the daily struggle is trying to workm I called off this Wednesday bc I physically couldn't drive. My heart rate sitting would not go under 120bpm for the longest of times. I get clammy, breathing starts to get hard and I become super nauseous.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Presyncope and syncope is a common symptom for most of us. It is very difficult to deal with and very scary. I'm so glad to hear that the video help your friends and family to understand what you go through. For many of us, the episode doesn't last a very long time, so the initial episode can be over quickly even though the fatigue, headache and feeling unwell lasts much longer. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes.
I have presyncope a few times a year. Particularly if I go from the warmth into very cold weather. Then I feel faint, as if I'm going to die, but I don't. Then I yawn for 20 minutes thereafter. After that, I feel better but my confidence is then ruined and I worry endlessly, comforted only by the thought that one day I'll be dead and my suffering will be over.
For me it’s terrifying because of the loss of control and the nausea. Waking up from it is scary too because I don’t know what happened. I will wonder what’s pressing on my face, but I cannot move or focus my eyes for a bit. Once I can, I realize that it’s the floor pressing on my face. My trigger is usually abdominal pain.
I thought that all I was having was presyncope episodes until I had one of my regular spells in office with my PT. She told me I had COMPLETELY fainted!! Apparently my idea of what counted as a full faint was closer to Hollywood: so I thought you needed to completely fall over, lose consciousness for an extended period of time... NOPE!! As long as you lose all of your senses for any amount of time, including balance, you've fainted. Whelp...that changed EVERYTHING for my treatment. 😅
Syncope is a loss of consciousness and/or a loss of control of your body, frequently described as "going limp" Many people report being able to hear things around them but being unable to stand or speak or control their bodies - including incontinence for some. Any symptoms like dizziness without being incapacitated is considered presyncope.
If you are experiencing those symptoms daily you need to be evaluated by a physician. Start with your PCP. They can monitor your BP and your HR and eliminate some things before deciding if you need to see a dysautonomia specialist. It is also helpful to start with your PCP because it can take a long time to get an appointment with a specialist, so at least you will have some care in the meantime. Best of luck getting to the bottom of your symptoms.
I have post concussive syndrome with Dysautonomia/POTS. I have the presyncope part. My first sign that an episode is starting, is that I’ll say that I feel weird or not myself.. Next, is feeling very tired. After that point of tiredness, good luck with trying to get a response out of me because I have a hard time getting words out. After that all calms down (which can take anywhere from 30 mins to 3 hours) to get better, I am left with being wobbly and unsteady on my feet like a drunk person for a little bit of time.
@@lexi7618 I'm sorry to hear you are going through all of this. But what you are experiencing is common, awful but common during episodes. Electrolytes are essential to helping symptoms of dysautonomia. There are drinks and tablets on the market - look for types that aren't loaded with sugar. It really helps over time. Hang in there.
Presyncope always had. Developed dysautonomia and have collapsed, my little trick is bend knees low with hands on them on rising. Knowing the signs so I can get back down low. Black and whites now pulse, like blood flow.
Thanks so much for this vid, it explained quite a bit that I wasn't understanding. I'm not sure I have it yet. Though my Dr. stated thats what I've been experiencing. I'm waiting for the tilt test myself. My symptoms are different from the ordinary according to my Dr. due to the fact that I don't fully pass out. I'm more of an in an out of consciousness and my entire body shakes like the dickens. It hurts, it's like full body muscle spasms and even my voice goes. What I experience first is like a dousing feeling starting at my head, then I get dizzy and lightheaded. It's an "oh crap" feeling I guess. The odd part is that after my head starts bobbing, I start to stutter and the stuttering doesn't stop for well over an hour. Is this a "normal" deal for some people? I'm just now dipping my toes into the research of this so I'm very unsure right now.
I think this is caused by cerebral hypoperfusion. I get massive shakes and jerks too and it affects my voice as well. I think it was best explained as non epileptic "convulsions". Sometimes I can't speak during the attacks, like the cord from my brain to tell my mouth to move and vocal chordes to push air out gets cut or something. These attacks always make me cry and hurt me as well. I hate them so much, but do find the electrolyte tabs help. The feeling of complete loss of control over your body is awful.
@@Sara-world @tara What both of you describe is a common experience for people with dysautonomia. The feeling of my brain being disconnected from my mouth is a symptom that I have tried to describe after episodes myself. It is a very scary aspect to this. Loss of control over your body is a common experience during episodes. Be sure to give yourself recovery time and lots of fluids.
ive almost passed out 3 times in the last 2 years and i have experienced symptoms of syncope but i never really passed out. and it really is scary because I didn't know what was going on. I should probably talk about this to my doctor the next time i go
Absolutely. Speak to your doctor and don't minimize the pre-syncope - it is just as important a symptom as full syncope. Try and describe what you were doing during these episodes and if you don't get anywhere with your doctor and they continue seek out a specialist.
I just had an episode that the Dr said was Presyncope. When it hit me, my arms, upper chest, face and entire head felt really, really hot like when you get embarrassed but a hundred times hotter. It hit me all of a sudden and my upper body was the only part that was affected and my arms and head felt so HEAVY....!!!!! My lips and my tongue felt like they were ten times the size they actually are and they also started to tingle. My teeth were numb as well. I haven't seen anywhere where these are the symptoms of Presyncope or Syncope or Vasovagal. I was on the floor but I didn't pass out or faint. I was conscience but couldn't talk to answer EMT's questions. My symptoms seem to be different from what I've read about this but the Dr. said it was Syncope..... Can I get some clear info on what my symptoms may be ?
Came here doing the research on the subject matter. Been to see my primary and ED doctors and they all say the same thing: brain and heart functions are normal. My symptoms are that I begin to feel anxious, then light headed and I usually go down on one knee but never pass out. It has become more frequent over the last month to the point that I'm afraid to do simple tasks around the house
It is common to hear that the anxiety you feel is causing the pre-syncope, and for people with panic attacks that may be true, however, having the symptoms and then feeling anxious is to be expected and is not the cause of the episode. It is natural to feel anxious when you begin to feel those symptoms, but the more you can remind yourself that it will pass and to just hold on and try to breathe as normally as possible, the easier the symptoms will be to get through. For people with dysautonomia, it is very difficult to be diagnosed because the usual tests, EEG, EKG, etc. show normal function, but the ANS (the Autonomic Nervous System) can still be dysfunctional causing this and other symptoms. You may want to do more of your own research and bring some supporting info with you to your next appt and discuss other causes with your doctors. If they refuse to listen or are dismissive, keep looking for a doctor that will listen and look further. Living afraid is no way to live. Best of luck to you.
Your not alone I have had the same tests and doctors state everything is fine. Its been a life change for me I cant go anywhere alone. At home I cant do too much around the house.
I had a swallow syncope episode this morning, I was drinking milk and felt this pain from my neck down to my chest.. at first I thought it was because I was drinking too much at once but then the ringing in my ears kicked in and didn’t have time to react and blacked out immediately
I have been trying to identify what my "episodes" are because I don't think I "faint". I do what you described but when I finally collapse - it looks like I'm asleep but I can hear everything around me. I'm trying to talk and move but can't. I am trapped inside until eventually I feel like I fight so hard to talk or move that eventually I am able to. Sometimes I wonder if I'm simply not trying hard enough to move or talk. I end up crying or being so frustrated. It's awful. These "episodes" can last 10 minutes or 30 minutes. Sometimes if I'm left alone and tired, I think I'll end up just falling asleep anyway. Is this pre-syncope. I've been unable to find anyone else describing this. I have dysautonomia with bradycardia & neuropathic POTS (sudomotor and adrenergic dysfunction).
The episodes you describe are typical of what many people with dysautonomia describe. In fact, if you read some of the other comments on this video, you will read similarities to your symptoms. I also suggest that you read more about the Autonomic Nervous System to understand better what is happening inside your body. For many people, it helps identify the triggers that may, in part, set off the episodes. Check out the Information Resource section of our website - www.dinet.org and also the videos on this channel about triggers and managing the disorder. It does get better over time with more information and education. Thank you for sharing this - it helps so many to read what other people go through. All the best!
Is your episodes brought on with strong emotions such as laughter or fear? This could be cataplexy. Your experience sounds like someone who has cataplexy with narcolepsy.
I am a healthy 17 year old with no underlying conditions but one time when I was at work (I work at a marina), it was only about 20 minutes after I clocked when I first noticed myself hyperventilating and my vision starting to go, so I sat down hoping I would feel better but it got worse, my vision was almost completely gone, I was very cold even though it was the middle of the summer, I was sweating profusely, and my feet and hands were cramping and I could barely move them. My manager called 911 and the paramedics said I was experiencing a presyncope episode and it was likely because of dehydration. So I went to the ER and they gave me a whole bag of IV fluid and I felt fine after that. Still one of the scariest moments of my life though.
Thank you for sharing your experience. It is a very good description of a presyncope episode. Yes that can happen to healthy people who are dehydrated for sure. That's why for people with dysautonomia it is so critical that we stay very well hydrated at all times.
I just had a pre-syncope episode earlier. This was the second time. The first one was a few years ago. This time I was walking with my mom and its very hot outside. First, I started to feel thirsty, then I felt the lightheadedness, then my vision started looking like all yellowish, then like an old television that you turn off where its black at the side? Like tunnel vision I guess? It feels like I'm about to pass out cause its like the blackness on my vision starts to consume me so I stopped walking, then sat down, leaned on a wall then drank some water. I felt better after a few minutes. Then, I was okay. The first time, was just a sudden blackness on my vision accompanied by lightheadedness. I was treating a wound in the bathroom and thought I would pass out, but that pre-syncope episode is shorter cause after I started regulating my breathing I started to feel better. I haven't talk to a doctor about this. But even before these pre-syncope episodes, there are times I feel dizzy if I immediately stand up after laying down. I thought I might just be having low blood pressure or something.
I'm sorry you had to experience that. Presyncope and syncope can be very scary. But to be clear, everyone, especially women, can have episodes of dizziness and presyncope, even syncope, occasionally throughout their lives. And you are right it can be caused by low BP, Low sugar levels and a host of other things. It can happen to women during their menstrual cycles because of fluctuations in BP and hormones. However, if you find it is happening regularly, the dizziness and/or the presyncope, you should be checked out by a physician. Even if the cause is low bp or sugar levels, if it is happening regularly you may need some treatment or intervention. Also, you mentioned that it was hot outside and you felt thirsty. Remember that by the time you feel thirsty, your body is already a bit dehydrated or low on fluids. So when it is hot be sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause dizziness and presyncope, so you may want to up your water intake and see if that helps. Thanks for sharing. It's important to hear other people's experiences. Stay well.
I’ve had this since I was at least 16 (currently 23) and I’ve never been able to figure out what it is! How often does it need to happen to be concerned diagnosed with either of these? I definitely think mine is more presyncope. Any insight would be greatly appreciated
It is not uncommon to have presyncope and even syncope occasionally, especially for women. But it is still something that should be mentioned to your PCP during a visit. If you begin to experience episodes regularly or they begin to interfere with your ability to work or participate in your normal activities, then you should make an appointment to work with your PCP to get to the cause of the episodes.
I had pots since 16 well I KNEW I had it but never got taken to be checked. I’m now 22 and I just had my tilt table test and got a positive diagnosis. considering you have had it as long as I have I’m guessing it’s only gotten worse for you too?
I've had different issues like vertigo, ringing in the ears, feeling like I'm going to pass out when standing to long for a while now. Recently though, I've had new episodes while driving. It starts with warm feeling in my face, vision gets a little gray and I think I might pass out, but then the heat travels through my torso and my bladder/urethra area gets that hot feeling like one gets with contrast dye. Also recently, my pulse rate can be normal, then 120s, or 50 within seconds or minutes and last a few days, then go away and come back in week or so. It's very different from my usual irregular hb issue though. Is this possibly presyncope or something else?
I'm sorry that is happening, especially while driving. Any feelings of being faint when behind the wheel should be taken very seriously. It is highly unusual to have syncope symptoms while sitting that are related to dysautonomia. You didn't say whether you were diagnosed with a form of dysautonomia, only that you had symptoms in the past. So the symptoms you are experiencing recently, the flushing, vision changes, pre syncope, etc could be caused by any number of things. If you do have a dysautonomia diagnosis, I would bring these new symptoms to your doctor. If you do not have a diagnosis, I would make an appointment with your primary physician. They should do a workup including EKG, labs, etc to see what shows up. They should be able to send you to a cardiologist who is well versed in dysautonomia if they suspect thats the cause. Finally, and I know this isnt easy but you really shouldnt drive until you have an answer. Fainting when youre behind the wheel could be disastrous for you & others on the road. Let us know how you do.
i can get presyncope multiple times a day so it's FREQUENT and i did fall once i was dehydrated but was actually in a good mood and fell fine but my eyesight got blacked out and i was still calm but then my knees gave out and my eyesight was entirely gone I don't think that i lost consciousness but it took a few minutes for my eyes to get back on and it had a tv static phase too there's usually near blackness so that was different a neighbor who saw me got scared and gave me water there's usually just dizziness black sightness and a headache and my face feels numb a lot so i assume I looks pale when that happens it got pointed out a few times 😊
All very common symptoms of presyncope. It can be really frightening when you don't know why it's happening, and even after you do! It is also common to have multiple experiences per day, although the goal of treatment is to lessen and hopefully stop the occurrences. You mentioned dehydration. This can be a common reason for exacerbated occurrences of presyncope and syncope. So you may want to talk to your doctor about your sodium intake and fluid intake. There are a lot of products out there that are better for hydration than water. I hope you are able to find some relief from your symptoms. Thank you for sharing your experience.
i’m not diagnosed with anything but i think i may have presyncope often times when i stand up i feel dizzy for a few seconds and i start to see purple static. there’ve been a few times I almost fell because of it and had to take a kneel. i’ve fainted before aswell but only once. should i look into getting that checked out by a doctor?
It is always a good idea to seek medical help if you are concerned about anything related to your health. The symptoms you mention could be a sign of something or it could be dehydration or sometimes dizziness can happen to women during their menstrual cycle. But tracking your symptoms and knowing how much you have had to drink, if you've eaten and when, and any other factors that may be related. Bring the info with you to your doctor and discuss it. Your doctor should give you advice about whether testing is warranted. Best of luck.
I have syncope sometimes my legs feel weak I get light headed my vision goes blank If Im not close to something to hold on to I fall. I had staples on the back of my head for falling and it was scary.
That is very scary! I always remind anyone around me that this sometimes happen and how they can help me if it does. I frequently can't speak when I have an episode. Whenever possible, lower yourself to the ground at the first sign of weakness. Don't hold on and wait for it to pass. Stay safe.
Does fainting happen without blacking out it feels like I'm sleepy and sometimes it feels like I'm faking it.. like just now i was sitting here and randomly become sleepy like phase then be like "oh you are doing it again" and come back to normal but not that quite well
Anxiety and presyncope symptoms are usually tied to an anxiety attack. Although there are similarities between the episodes of presyncope related to POTS, they are very different. Presyncope with anxiety can happen regardless of your body position (sitting, standing, laying down, etc) and does not have the changes in HR, BP and other symptoms common to people with dysautonomia. So the answer is yes, acute anxiety can make you feel that you are on the verge of fainting and it feels terrible. But if you are unsure of whether you are having anxiety symptoms or a medical condition, you should speak with your doctor. Best of luck. Presyncope from any cause is not a good feeling.
The syncope and presyncope being discussed for the purpose of this video is related to people with dysautonomia. But there are many reasons people can faint or come close to losing consciousness. There is no cure for most forms of dysautonomia, however, many people can learn to manage their symptoms as time goes on and for some people with POTS, the symptoms can resolve on their own over time.
